Macia family harassed

The family of taxi driver Mido Macia is being harassed by representatives of the Mozambican government, their lawyers claimed.

Jurgens Bekker Attorneys, who represents the family in a civil claim against Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa, said the family was placed under duress to settle the matter out of court and have the Mozambican government represent them.

Attorney Andrew Boerner said Jossefa Macia, Mido Macia's father, confirmed that representatives of the Mozambican government took the copies of the power of attorney signed between the family and his firm.

"Our firm has not received any communication from the Mozambican government or its representatives," Boerner said.

"The Mozambican government is aware that our firm is mandated by the Macia family, yet have bypassed our offices throughout this process."

He said the representatives were trying to seek a "political solution" and avoid the claim against Mthethwa.

"We have advised the Mozambican government and the minister of police not to contact our clients directly."

The Mozambican High Commission in Pretoria was not immediately available to comment.

Nine policemen accused of killing Macia were denied bail by the Benoni Magistrate's Court last Tuesday. Magistrate Sam Makamu said he felt it was not in the interests of justice to grant them bail. The matter would resume on April 12.

Macia was filmed being tied to the back of a police van and dragged along a street in Daveyton on February 26. He was found dead in the local police station's holding cells several hours later.